Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitru Moksha Amavasya, or Pitra Amavasya, is a significant day in Hindu tradition dedicated to honoring ancestors or ‘Pitrs.’ This year, Mahalaya Amavasya falls on October 02, 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar. It marks the final day of Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period devoted to performing ancestral rites.
Mahalaya Amavasya 2024: Significance, Rituals, and Timings for October 02
Mahalaya Amavasya, observed on the new moon day of the Bhadrapada month in the Amanta calendar and the Ashvin month in the Purnimant calendar, holds great spiritual importance. It is believed that performing Shraddha and Tarpanam rituals on this day helps offer peace and salvation to the souls of deceased family members.
In West Bengal, this day also signals the beginning of the grand Durga Puja festivities, as it symbolizes the descent of Goddess Durga to Earth. Meanwhile, in Telangana, Mahalaya Amavasya marks the start of the vibrant Bathukamma festival, dedicated to Goddess Gauri.
Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 Timings – October 02
- Sunrise: 06:22 AM
- Sunset: 06:09 PM
- Moonrise: 05:46 AM
- Moonset: 06:00 PM
- Amavasya Tithi: Begins at 09:39 PM on October 01, 2024, and ends at 12:19 AM on October 03, 2024
- Kutup Muhurat: 11:52 AM to 12:39 PM
- Rohina Muhurat: 12:39 PM to 01:26 PM
- Aparahna Kaal: 01:26 PM to 03:48 PM
Rituals to Perform on Mahalaya Amavasya
The most important ritual on Mahalaya Amavasya is Tarpanam and Shraddha, where families offer water, sesame seeds, and barley to their ancestors. The eldest male of the family usually leads the ceremonies, and a Brahmin priest is invited to the home to guide the rituals. After the puja, special food is prepared and offered to the Brahmin, symbolizing the end of the rituals.
What is Mahalaya? Significance, Celebrations, and Rituals Explained
During these ceremonies, devotees also light lamps, offer flowers, and chant mantras to honor their ancestors and Lord Yama, the God of death. It is believed that these rituals not only bring peace to the departed souls but also remove Pitra Dosh (ancestral affliction), ensuring the prosperity and protection of the family.
Importance of Offering Prayers on Mahalaya Amavasya
Performing ancestral rites on Mahalaya Amavasya is believed to grant peace and salvation to the souls of the deceased, helping them move forward in their journey. It also brings blessings to the family, ensuring good fortune, health, and protection from adversities.
In addition to personal blessings, this day marks the larger cosmic significance of the Pitru Paksha cycle, which is deeply tied to the balance between the living and the departed. By observing these rites, families maintain their spiritual connection to their ancestors, receiving their guidance and blessings for a prosperous life.
May your prayers and heartfelt offerings on Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 reach your ancestors, bringing peace, prosperity, and protection to your family.